Importance of religion in one's life among men

% of men who say religion is…

Survey yearVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
201447%26%13%14%1%17,514
200749%29%12%10%1%16,291
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

Importance of religion in one's life among men by religious group

% of men who say religion is…

Religious traditionVery importantSomewhat importantNot too importantNot at all importantDon't knowSample size
Buddhist29%40%21%7%3%138
Catholic52%35%10%4%< 1%3,426
Evangelical Protestant75%20%3%1%1%4,061
Hindu23%51%16%9%1%136
Historically Black Protestant83%14%2%1%< 1%818
Jewish35%33%21%11%< 1%428
Mainline Protestant46%37%13%3%1%2,778
Mormon82%14%3%1%< 1%347
Muslim66%24%6%3%1%152
Orthodox Christian49%33%12%6%< 1%106
Unaffiliated (religious "nones")11%20%24%43%1%4,471
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Learn More: Very important, Somewhat important, Not too important, Not at all important

DemographicInformation

Age distribution among men by importance of religion

% of men who are ages…

Importance of religion in one's life18-2930-4950-6465+Sample size
Very important18%34%29%19%7,998
Somewhat important25%35%26%14%4,391
Not too important30%36%21%13%2,211
Not at all important32%36%19%13%2,482
Don't know17%31%29%23%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Generational cohort among men by importance of religion

% of men who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeYounger MillennialOlder MillennialGeneration XBaby BoomerSilentGreatestSample size
Very important11%12%28%35%12%1%7,998
Somewhat important15%16%28%31%8%1%4,391
Not too important18%20%28%26%7%1%2,211
Not at all important22%19%27%23%8%1%2,482
Don't know8%18%22%37%13%1%140
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Racial and ethnic composition among men by importance of religion

% of men who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWhiteBlackAsianLatinoOther/MixedSample size
Very important61%16%3%17%4%8,010
Somewhat important68%8%5%16%4%4,385
Not too important76%5%6%10%3%2,204
Not at all important75%5%5%11%4%2,476
Don't know63%8%1%21%7%132
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Immigrant status among men by importance of religion

% of men who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeImmigrantsSecond generationThird generation or higherSample size
Very important17%8%75%8,051
Somewhat important14%11%75%4,412
Not too important12%12%76%2,209
Not at all important11%14%74%2,481
Don't know18%11%72%145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Income distribution among men by importance of religion

% of men who have a household income of…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLess than $30,000$30,000-$49,999$50,000-$99,999$100,000 or moreSample size
Very important34%21%27%18%7,167
Somewhat important28%21%29%23%4,023
Not too important24%20%30%25%2,021
Not at all important25%19%29%27%2,289
Don't know36%27%25%11%109
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Educational distribution among men by importance of religion

% of men who have completed…

Importance of religion in one's lifeHigh school or lessSome collegeCollegePost-graduate degreeSample size
Very important46%29%15%10%8,101
Somewhat important43%31%16%10%4,439
Not too important36%31%21%12%2,223
Not at all important35%32%20%14%2,505
Don't know40%37%16%7%145
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Marital status among men by importance of religion

% of men who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeMarriedLiving with a partnerDivorced/separatedWidowedNever marriedSample size
Very important56%5%12%4%23%8,114
Somewhat important46%9%12%3%30%4,442
Not too important43%10%10%2%35%2,223
Not at all important37%11%12%3%38%2,508
Don't know47%3%17%5%27%142
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Parent of children under 18 among men by importance of religion

% of men who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeParentsNon-parentsSample size
Very important28%72%8,117
Somewhat important26%74%4,438
Not too important23%77%2,223
Not at all important20%80%2,506
Don't know19%81%148
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

BeliefsandPractices

Belief in God among men by importance of religion

% of men who say they…

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieve in God; absolutely certainBelieve in God; fairly certainBelieve in God; not too/not at all certainBelieve in God; don't knowDo not believe in GodOther/don't know if they believe in GodSample size
Very important85%11%1%1%1%< 1%8,154
Somewhat important48%38%8%1%3%2%4,459
Not too important17%34%19%1%22%7%2,232
Not at all important12%10%10%< 1%59%7%2,515
Don't know55%15%2%6%9%13%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Attendance at religious services among men by importance of religion

% of men who attend religious services…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a month/a few times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important58%29%12%< 1%8,154
Somewhat important13%54%33%< 1%4,459
Not too important2%36%61%< 1%2,232
Not at all important2%10%88%< 1%2,515
Don't know18%20%43%19%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of prayer among men by importance of religion

% of men who pray…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least dailyWeeklyMonthlySeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important76%15%3%4%1%8,154
Somewhat important31%27%15%27%1%4,459
Not too important10%10%9%71%< 1%2,232
Not at all important7%3%3%86%< 1%2,515
Don't know38%11%7%25%20%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of participation in prayer, scripture study or religious education groups among men by importance of religion

% of men who attend prayer group…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important41%13%11%35%1%8,154
Somewhat important6%8%10%76%< 1%4,459
Not too important2%2%3%93%< 1%2,232
Not at all important2%1%1%96%< 1%2,515
Don't know12%9%5%55%19%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of meditation among men by importance of religion

% of men who meditate…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important52%7%4%34%3%8,154
Somewhat important27%10%6%56%1%4,459
Not too important19%10%6%64%1%2,232
Not at all important22%7%4%66%1%2,515
Don't know44%10%3%25%18%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling spiritual peace and wellbeing among men by importance of religion

% of men who feel a sense of spiritual peace and wellbeing…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important73%12%6%7%1%8,154
Somewhat important39%21%16%23%1%4,459
Not too important28%17%14%40%1%2,232
Not at all important33%13%9%43%2%2,515
Don't know57%8%8%14%13%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of feeling wonder about the universe among men by importance of religion

% of men who feel a sense of wonder about the universe…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important50%15%11%22%2%8,154
Somewhat important41%17%16%26%1%4,459
Not too important40%18%16%25%1%2,232
Not at all important49%14%12%24%1%2,515
Don't know50%10%7%17%16%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Sources of guidance on right and wrong among men by importance of religion

% of men who say they look to…most for guidance on right and wrong

Importance of religion in one's lifeReligionPhilosophy/reasonCommon senseScienceDon't knowSample size
Very important52%6%33%5%3%8,154
Somewhat important13%14%60%11%2%4,459
Not too important3%18%62%16%1%2,232
Not at all important2%19%53%23%2%2,515
Don't know18%14%38%8%23%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in absolute standards for right and wrong among men by importance of religion

% of men who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeThere are clear standards for what is right and wrongRight or wrong depends on the situationNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important46%51%2%1%8,154
Somewhat important30%68%1%1%4,459
Not too important23%74%2%1%2,232
Not at all important19%79%1%1%2,515
Don't know29%59%3%9%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Frequency of reading scripture among men by importance of religion

% of men who read scripture…

Importance of religion in one's lifeAt least once a weekOnce or twice a monthSeveral times a yearSeldom/neverDon't knowSample size
Very important55%13%8%22%1%8,154
Somewhat important12%11%13%63%1%4,459
Not too important4%5%7%84%< 1%2,232
Not at all important4%3%3%89%< 1%2,515
Don't know26%8%10%42%14%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Interpreting scripture among men by importance of religion

% of men who say the holy scripture is…

Importance of religion in one's lifeWord of God; should be taken literallyWord of God; not everything taken literallyWord of God; other/don't knowNot the word of GodOther/don't knowSample size
Very important47%31%4%11%7%8,154
Somewhat important15%33%1%42%9%4,459
Not too important4%12%< 1%75%8%2,232
Not at all important3%4%< 1%88%5%2,515
Don't know16%15%6%35%28%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Heaven among men by importance of religion

% of men who …in heaven

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important87%7%6%8,154
Somewhat important74%18%8%4,459
Not too important39%49%12%2,232
Not at all important15%78%7%2,515
Don't know44%22%34%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Belief in Hell among men by importance of religion

% of men who …in hell

Importance of religion in one's lifeBelieveDon't believeOther/don't knowSample size
Very important76%16%7%8,154
Somewhat important58%34%8%4,459
Not too important30%61%9%2,232
Not at all important11%83%6%2,515
Don't know34%32%35%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

SocialandPoliticalViews

Party affiliation among men by importance of religion

% of men who identify as…

Importance of religion in one's lifeRepublican/lean Rep.No leanDemocrat/lean Dem.Sample size
Very important48%17%35%8,154
Somewhat important41%19%40%4,459
Not too important36%19%45%2,232
Not at all important24%21%55%2,515
Don't know30%46%24%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Political ideology among men by importance of religion

% of men who are…

Importance of religion in one's lifeConservativeModerateLiberalDon't knowSample size
Very important51%27%16%6%8,154
Somewhat important35%39%22%5%4,459
Not too important24%42%28%6%2,232
Not at all important17%35%41%7%2,515
Don't know27%22%26%26%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about size of government among men by importance of religion

% of men who would rather have…

Importance of religion in one's lifeSmaller government; fewer servicesBigger government; more servicesDependsDon't knowSample size
Very important59%35%3%3%8,154
Somewhat important61%34%3%3%4,459
Not too important61%33%3%3%2,232
Not at all important51%42%4%3%2,515
Don't know48%26%9%18%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about government aid to the poor among men by importance of religion

% of men who say government aid to the poor…

Importance of religion in one's lifeDoes more harm than goodDoes more good than harmNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important52%42%4%2%8,154
Somewhat important50%45%4%2%4,459
Not too important43%50%4%2%2,232
Not at all important36%59%4%1%2,515
Don't know30%36%14%19%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about abortion among men by importance of religion

% of men who say abortion should be…

Importance of religion in one's lifeLegal in all/most casesIllegal in all/most casesDon't knowSample size
Very important35%60%5%8,154
Somewhat important60%35%4%4,459
Not too important76%20%4%2,232
Not at all important79%17%4%2,515
Don't know37%37%26%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about homosexuality among men by importance of religion

% of men who say homosexuality…

Importance of religion in one's lifeShould be acceptedShould be discouragedNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important39%52%5%4%8,154
Somewhat important67%25%4%3%4,459
Not too important79%15%2%3%2,232
Not at all important84%11%3%2%2,515
Don't know46%25%11%19%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about same-sex marriage among men by importance of religion

% of men who …same-sex marriage

Importance of religion in one's lifeStrongly favor/favorOppose/strongly opposeDon't knowSample size
Very important31%61%8%8,154
Somewhat important58%33%9%4,459
Not too important74%20%6%2,232
Not at all important80%13%6%2,515
Don't know40%29%31%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about environmental regulation among men by importance of religion

% of men who say…

Importance of religion in one's lifeStricter environmental laws and regulations cost too many jobs and hurt the economyStricter environmental laws and regulations are worth the costNeither/both equallyDon't knowSample size
Very important48%46%3%3%8,154
Somewhat important41%55%2%2%4,459
Not too important34%62%2%2%2,232
Not at all important25%70%3%2%2,515
Don't know38%39%9%15%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.

Views about human evolution among men by importance of religion

% of men who say humans…

Importance of religion in one's lifeEvolved; due to natural processesEvolved; due to God's designEvolved; don't know howAlways existed in present formDon't knowSample size
Very important14%30%4%48%5%8,154
Somewhat important40%30%5%22%3%4,459
Not too important66%15%6%11%2%2,232
Not at all important77%8%3%9%2%2,515
Don't know31%16%13%24%16%154
Sample sizes and margins of error vary from subgroup to subgroup, from year to year and from state to state. You can see the sample size for the estimates in this chart on rollover or in the last column of the table. And visit this table to see approximate margins of error for a group of a given size. Readers should always bear in mind the approximate margin of error for the group they are examining when making comparisons with other groups or assessing the significance of trends over time. For full question wording, see the survey questionnaire.